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Real Estate & Homes in Costa Mesa - Costa Mesa Information Costa Mesa Costa Mesa History The city of Costa Mesa has been known by several different names over the course of its unusual history. In its earliest years, the inhabitants were only grazing cattle owned by the San Juan Capistrano mission and their herdsmen. An adobe building known as Estancia was constructed to be a way station for the herdsmen; that building has since been restored and is now a musuem. The land was part of the Santiago Del Santa Ana land grant made from Spain to the Yorba family. Early settlers who purchased lots from the Yorbas established a town called Fairview. Fairview had a school, church, railroad stop and small hotel. In 1889, a storm destroyed most of the town's structures and the railroad. Some sources also reference another town called Paularino in the region, which also disappeared before the turn of the century. Those residents who remained had to rely on agriculture. Farmers began to establish themselves in the region, producing primarily apples and lima beans. A community known as Harper, named after a local rancher, began to grow, spurred on by a small general store known as Ozmen's. Harper's name was changed to Costa Mesa, meaning coastal hill, in 1920. The city's growth was boosted by two major events: the establishment of Santa Ana Air Base and the building of South Coast Plaza, one of the world's premier shopping destinations. Today, Costa Mesa is a blend of residential areas and commercial space. The quality of life is diverse, as residents are close to the beaches, tourist attractions and major employment opportunities of greater Orange County. Activities As noted above, Costa Mesa is also a shopper's paradise. South Coast Plaza has about 280 stores, including Chanel, Gianni Versace, and Gucci among the more mundane Sears and Macy's. A colorful carousel provides entertainment for younger shoppers, while the dining options can satisfy many tastes. Those with an eye for bargains will enjoy Metro Pointe, an outdoor shopping center next to the South Coast Plaza. The stores in Metro Pointe include factory outlets and lower-price-point retailers. Costa Mesa is also home to the Orange County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center. The fairgrounds host one of Orange County's most popular swapmeets every weekend, plus a farmer's market every Thursday and a variety of entertainment events year-round. The largest celebration is the annual Orange County Fair. The three-week fair features live music, games, carnival rides, and a rodeo. Schools Costa Mesa Fast Facts
Total area*: 15.6 square miles *Information provided by 2000 Census
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